Nanaimo RCMP is warning the public that the grandparent scam continues to circulate, after a woman lost $2,000 to scammers.

A woman in Nanaimo was called by a man who called himself Tom Scott, saying that the woman’s grandson had been arrested and that his nose was broken.

The woman asked what she could do, and Scott directed her to a local bitcoin machine, and told her how to withdraw and send bitcoin.

After she sent the money, Scott continued to call her, at which point a family member intercepted the call and told him that police had been called.

“If you receive a phone call from anyone claiming to be a law enforcement officer asking for bitcoin, money or gift cards, hang up and break off all communication- it’s a scam,” said R/Const. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

Protect yours

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